cutting heatspreaders

[PurpleScythe]

Hi, I need to install a 240mm radiator into the top of my new case but my Corsair vengeance RAM doesnt have a low enough profile, I know this sounds stupid but can I just cut off the top of the heat spreaders with a hacksaw? I think they're made from aluminium, anyone have an advice? A (much more sensible) alternative is to remove them completely and replace them with cheap aftermarket heatspreaders

[W-L]

1 minute ago, PurpleScythe said:

Hi, I need to install a 240mm radiator into the top of my new case but my Corsair vengeance RAM doesnt have a low enough profile, I know this sounds stupid but can I just cut off the top of the heat spreaders with a hacksaw? I think they're made from aluminium, anyone have an advice? A (much more sensible) alternative is to remove them completely and replace them with cheap aftermarket heatspreaders

It would be easier to just remove the heatspreader and have a bare PCB, they are just held in place by metal tabs on the side and some adhesive thermal pads.

[PurpleScythe]

1 minute ago, W-L said:

It would be easier to just remove the heatspreader and have a bare PCB, they are just held in place by metal tabs on the side and some adhesive thermal pads.

This is for a specific build and I'm worried that it will look ugly

[Shiv78]

You should be able to cut it off or use aftermarket spreaders, either should work

[PurpleScythe]

Just now, Shiv78 said:

You should be able to cut it off or use aftermarket spreaders, either should work

thanks, I guess if cutting fails I can take them off completely anyway

[W-L]

3 minutes ago, PurpleScythe said:

This is for a specific build and I'm worried that it will look ugly

You can get aftermarket hear spreaders as said, but If you do want to just cut them take them off from the PCB when doing so, to prevent any potential of metal shavings shorting anything. 

[PurpleScythe]

Just now, W-L said:

You can get aftermarket hear spreaders as said, but If you do want to just cut them take them off from the PCB when doing so, to prevent any potential of metal shavings shorting anything. 

thanks